Staying safe at clubs, parties and events

The single biggest safety decision is the one this site is built on: going to a private venue instead of a public place. Everyone in the room is an adult who chose to be there, there's a door policy, and there are staff whose job is to deal with trouble. What follows is how to make a good night safer still.

Before you book

The safest venue is one you've confirmed is real, open and clear about its rules.

• Check the venue is real and open. Use the venue's own website, not a reposted flyer or a stranger's message. Our city guides show when we last confirmed each venue.
• Be wary of "private parties" that only exist in a chat. No address until you've paid, payment by bank transfer or gift card, and pressure to decide quickly are the classic signs. Our guide to spotting fake events and ticket scams goes through them.
• Read the house rules. A venue that publishes its rules on consent, phones and alcohol is telling you how seriously it takes them.

Getting there and home

Plan both journeys before you set off. Know where the venue is, how you'll get home and roughly when. Book a licensed taxi rather than accepting a lift from someone you've just met, tell a friend where you'll be, and don't drive if you plan to drink. Our full checklist is in getting to a venue and home again safely.

Don't let the night move somewhere else on impulse. If two people want to see each other again, they can arrange it properly another time.

Drinks and drugs

Go easy on alcohol. Consent depends on everyone being able to make clear decisions, and good venues will turn away or ask to leave anyone who is drunk. Keep your drink with you, and if you put it down, get a fresh one.

Drink spiking means putting alcohol or drugs into someone's drink without their knowledge. If you or a friend suddenly feel far more drunk than you should, tell staff at once and get medical help. Never mix illegal drugs into the night: apart from the law, they make it harder to give or read consent.

Sexual health

Bring your own condoms and use them; many venues provide them too, but don't rely on it. Regular testing is normal practice for people on the scene.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a short course of HIV medication taken after a possible exposure. It must be started within 72 hours, and the sooner the better, so go to a sexual health clinic or an emergency department straight away rather than waiting until Monday.

Privacy and phones

Most venues ban phones on the floor or ask you to lock them away, and you should welcome that. Never photograph or film anyone. Use a first name or nickname, keep your workplace and surname to yourself until you know someone, and think about what your car, bag or keyring might reveal. Keeping your privacy at clubs, parties and events has more.

Consent, every time

Watching where it's invited is part of the fun; touching needs a clear yes, every time, and anyone can stop at any point. If you're unsure, ask. If someone hesitates, that's a no. Consent at clubs and parties covers how it works in the room, with helplines by country.

If something goes wrong

1. Tell staff straight away. They can remove someone, look after you and call for help.
2. In an emergency, call the police or an ambulance on the number for your country (below).
3. For a crime that isn't an emergency, the UK police non-emergency number is 101.
4. For health advice, use the health line for where you are.

If a venue let you down, ignoring a complaint or failing to deal with someone who broke its rules, tell us. We take that into account when we re-check a listing.